Love Is in the Air… and Dust Too Unless We’re Careful

Created By RISC | 8 months ago

Last modified date : 8 months ago

February brings the festival of love when we give flowers or chocolates. But we should also look after the health of our loved ones by checking indoor air quality, an issue that’s often overlooked. ​
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Did you know that the air we breathe indoors is 2-5 times more polluted than outside air? ​

Air pollution, such as PM2.5, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and other allergens, is a silent, invisible menace constantly present in our homes. According to many studies, poor air quality can cause a variety of health problems, including coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, respiratory and skin irritation, resulting in discomfort, decreased energy, difficulty sleeping, and an increased risk of serious diseases. PM2.5 has been linked to strokes and lung cancer. ​

Indoor air quality affects both our physical and emotional wellness. According to one study, poor air quality can lead to weariness, headaches, and an increased risk of depression. ​

Given these impacts, improving air quality is vital. Fortunately, it needn’t be difficult or expensive if we follow these tips.​

• Open windows for ventilation: Even when PM2.5 levels are high, opening windows for ventilation is vital to decrease air pollution accumulation in buildings. Be aware of the best time to open windows and don’t leave them open for too long. At least two windows should be opened, either diagonally or facing each other. Using fans to ventilate the air will boost the flow of air throughout space. If you wish to make a small investment, install an air exchange system (Energy Recovery Ventilator: ERV) together with a particle filter.​

• Clean your house to reduce pollutant accumulation: Activities and objects in the home can produce and accumulate air pollutants. Clean your home regularly with cleaning agents free from harsh chemicals. Clean your air conditioner and filter on a regular basis. If you have an air purifier, you should change the filter regularly.​

• Choose the correct air purifier: An air purifier can help you manage various pollutants in your house, especially during the season when PM2.5 levels are high. There are several things to consider when choosing an air purifier, including room size, clean air generation rate (CADR: Clean Air Delivery Rate), and air filtering technology. Furthermore, the air filter efficiency should be HEPA H13 or higher to help filter PM2.5, with an activated carbon filter installed to remove VOC odors. Other considerations include loud noises, smart home connectivity, high-quality sensors, power consumption, warranties, and maintenance. Certified asthma & allergy friendly certification is required for air purifiers used by allergy sufferers. View the certified list at this link. https://www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/USA/products_categories/air-cleaners/​

• Plant air-purifying trees: While trees are not as good at cleaning the air as air purifiers, they are another natural approach to help clean the air and can also benefit us in other ways, such as helping us feel relaxed and providing aesthetic value. Check out the list of air-purifying trees at https://risc.in.th/plants​

• Check the outdoor and indoor air quality: Knowing air quality allows us to make better decisions about our lives. Depending on the air quality, you can open the windows and exercise outside or inside. Many websites and programs allow you to check the outdoor air quality. https://www.iqair.com/th-en/thailand/bangkok, https://aqicn.org/city/bangkok​
If your air purifier already has a measuring sensor, you can check air quality with the color bar, screen, or application. You could buy a sensor with data on PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, and CO₂ concentrations.​

When we improve indoor air quality, we see spectacular outcomes. In addition to minimizing respiratory difficulties, we may find that we have more energy, sleep better, and feel refreshed when we wake up in the morning without feeling irritation in our noses or respiratory systems. ​
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Fresh air can make everyone in your home feel less stressed and happier. Having clean air indoors is another approach to foster love, happiness, and well-being. May each day be full of energy and enjoyment.​

Story by Phetcharin Phongphetkul, Sustainable Designer/ LEED®AP BD+C, WELLTM AP,Fitwel Ambassador, ActiveScore AP, TREES-A NC, RISC ​

References:​
World Health Organization. (2021). Global Air Quality Guidelines: Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulfur Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240034228  ​
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Household air pollution and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/household-air-pollution-and-health?gclid=CjwKCAiAiP2tBhBXEiwACslfnsFOiv6qpy221c2deEtZKBJxcV7wYg0HuCAtETa_lJq7tKkAhp6NRxoC4DkQAvD_BwE  ​
Allergy Standards Limited. (n.d.). Portable air cleaners. Retrieved from https://www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/USA/products_categories/air-cleaners/portable-air-cleaners/  ​
IQAir. (n.d.). Air quality in Bangkok. Retrieved from https://www.iqair.com/th-en/thailand/bangkok  ​
World Air Quality Index Project. (n.d.). Air quality information for Bangkok. Retrieved from https://aqicn.org/city/bangkok